[Swipe]

Since this skill was just a powerful swing, unlike other skills, there was no need for intensive visualization.

*Woom!*

[The swing] didn't even have the usual special effects, such as light falling on the weapon or a gust of wind. That's what I was unhappy with during the game. Skills tended to become more bizarre and had cooler names as the rank increased, so why was [Swing] the only one? Today I found out the answer.

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Even the Ogre is obsessed with efficiency.

In fact, the effect did not bring any benefit. He only singled out and disclosed my information to a well-informed enemy. It was quite practical.

[Regal Vagos used the [Dark Veil]].

As if to confirm my words, this bastard used a defensive skill.

It is not known on what basis this decision was made.

Perhaps he just decided that this was enough.

Maybe he decided that it was wiser not to retreat, but to stick his sword at a vital point while keeping his distance.

*Crackle!*

[Dark Veil], the rank 4 skill crumbled as soon as it touched my mace, not lasting a second. It was natural. Although it didn't have a grandiose name like "Earth Sweep" or "Fury Incarnations", [Sweep] was an offensive skill that belonged to the upper level even at the 3rd rank.

—…!

Only then did he realize the situation and twist his body.

Oh, if you were going to dodge, you should have done it from the beginning.

*Blow!*

I aimed at the top of my head, but my mace hit him in the shoulder. With a short groan, Vagos hurriedly increased the distance.

*Crunch*

His dislocated shoulder was deformed.

He quickly clamped his sword in his mouth and put his free hand in his pocket. Most likely, it was a subspace, and what he needed was a potion.

Do I look like a fool?

I wasn't going to give him time to recover.

"Dvalki!" Use [Voice Control]!

First of all, since my opponent was human, I turned on the voice control and rushed at him. I quickly gave orders:

"Hikurod, Rothmiller!" The two of you are guarding Dvalki. Misha, hold right behind me!

Of course, there was no time for long conversations, so we got back into the basic formation. Then I instructed them step by step on the details. Fortunately, my teammates accepted their assignments without much comment.

It all started with Dvalka.

*Woom!*

The moment that bastard dodged my mace, moving like a character of agility, curse magic seeped into his body.

[Riol Varb Dvalki casts a Rank 9 curse [Slow]].

In fact, it could be said that Dvalki was playing the role of one person, using only this one spell. After all, this bastard specialized in agility.

— Ах ты, мразь...!

He didn't hide his anger and showed all his strength, starting with the [Advanced Acceleration] and ending with the [Afterimage], which were from rank 5 essences. The value of his Agility instantly increased.

*Jerk!*

Perhaps due to Cognitive Decline, my eyes hurt just by following his movements.

Even adjusted for stats and [Deceleration], it's still so fast.

It reminded me of what a monster he really was, but I calmly continued to do what I was supposed to do.

Judging from the fact that his arm is not healing, it seems that he does not have any regeneration essences or corresponding numbered items.

Having narrowed down the range of possible scenarios based on the information received, I focused on the role assigned to me. Of course, my role was simple: stand in the middle of the aisle and be beaten to a pulp.

*Colic! Clang! Blow!*

"Don't even think about dying quickly," he muttered coldly.

Of course, it was impossible to dodge his attacks with my Agility, while he was showing all his strength.

Blocking the arch sword with a shield was almost pointless. I accepted it with my body.

*Chhhhhhh!*

In an instant, my entire body was mercilessly pierced by the sword, and acidic blood flowed through the exposed skin. Since the vampire essence had disappeared, the wound did not heal on its own as before. However, this was not a problem. When did I bite the enemy with my teeth intact?

*Kling!*

Rothmiller, who was holding back the enemy with a crossbow from behind, checked my condition in real time and threw me a potion from his [Treasure Vault].

[Your body regenerates under the effects of [Recovery (Medium)]].

This mode was also known as the Beginner Barbarian Mode.

It's been a long time since I've done this.

Unlike me, who was overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia, Vagos's eyes were filled with disbelief. I guessed that by looking at my face, he realized that I was incapable of feeling pain. He muttered incredulously.

— … Crazy bastard.

Even though he must have been in and out of the maze for a long time, he hadn't encountered a bastard like me yet.

Somehow it so happened that I received a rave review.

Of course, the answer was a mace.

*Woom!*

As he nimbly dodged, the dwarf continued to support.

[Hikurod Murad used [Lightning]]

[Hikurod Murad used [Release]].

The electric sphere shot out gracefully and flew into the air.

Vagos stepped on the wall and jumped again to avoid it.

However, this did not disappoint too much. In any case, this was not Hikuroda's true role.

"What do you think a bunch of worms can do?" Vagos shouted.

I asked the dwarf to do just three things:

Help from a distance with [Lightning Release],

Protect Dvalki in case of an emergency and...

[Regal Vagos cast [Imprint of Fear]].

… Use items in a timely manner.

[Hikurod Murad used the Guardian's Protective Bracelet].

[Knocks enemies back heavily and grants temporary immunity to all harmful effects inflicted on allies].

The Nightmare Rank 4 monster's ability [Imprint of Fear] temporarily instilled intense fear in the opponent and gave an equal amount of Constitution.

Before I had time to properly feel this skill, a gust of wind came and dispelled my thoughts. As expected, the [Keeper of Balance] was not deactivated, as it was not a harmful effect.

'Behellaaa

As my opponent was knocked back, I quickly ran towards him, even using [Wild Flash], and brought down a mace on him.

*Woom!*

I didn't use [Swing] as it was clear that he would dodge anyway.

*Jerk!*

Vagos turned his body to the side and swung his sword at me. Then Mike, who was standing behind me, aimed at his side.

*Blow!*

The blade of the sword pierced his skin shallow but sure. He shuddered and immediately struck back, but Misha quickly moved behind me.

It's cool.

It moved exactly as I wanted.

Vagos gritted his teeth and muttered:

"You don't know who you contacted.

Judging by the next rave review, there were no problems with my tactics. Thus, the current situation was maintained.

[Your body regenerates with [Recovery (Medium)]].

I took on the role of a meat shield. Dvalki, Rothmiller, and Hikurod provided me with long-range support. When he was electrocuted or dodged my attacks, Mike jumped forward and thrust her sword into every opportunity.

*Chop, stab!*

The damage steadily increased as the battle dragged on.

"Don't expect to make it out alive!"

After all, this bastard used essences and numbered items unknown in the city, but that didn't change anything. The frequency of potions increased, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide.

He was just talking.

In any case, it seemed that he was indeed Level 9.

All of his nine essences had been revealed, the last one being a rank 3 essence. Well, if it was a rank 3, it wasn't that easy to get even on the 9th floor, so it was probably natural.

"Bjorn!" That brilliant blade is approaching again!

Soon I felt that it was time to end the fight.

After about 30 minutes of fighting, all his cards were revealed. In addition, he could go away for a while and return with a priest.

Therefore...

"Now."

When the fight dragged on, and we were already used to the situation, I rushed forward with all my strength and stretched out my hand.

—…

He stepped back a little, increasing the distance. He was not much different from a crazy. When they thought they had adapted, they only moved as much as necessary.

Is this a habit of only the strong or something else?

Thank you very much.

[You have used [Gigantization]]

My body grew and my arms lengthened accordingly. Not missing the opportunity, I grabbed him by the neck.

—…

For the first time, an expression of urgency appeared on his face. He probably didn't know I had [Gigantization], because I had intentionally avoided using it all along. I felt that all my efforts were paying off.

This is a red light.

The jewel on its traffic light ring glowed red. I raised my mace and shouted without a pause:

'Behellaaa

The finishing blow for which I had waited patiently, this one chance, was what should be my last move today.

In the state of [Gigantization], when my stats soared with the [Wild Splash], I hit my opponent's head with all my strength.

*Attempt*

I had confidence that if I made that one shot right, it would be over.

— [Naundez Aunzo].

That's why I saw all the changes that took place the moment his lips parted.

[Your Soul Force is not enough. [Gigantization] completed].

My strength left my whole body. In addition, my eye level dropped in an instant, and my field of vision narrowed.

*Kwang!*

The mace fell from his hands and hit the floor.

*Whoosh*

The bastard at some point broke free from my grip and vomited blood. Watching this, I thought of only one thing.

Damned freak. What did you just do?

The answer came quickly.

.

This was a unique ability that all members of the dragon race were born with, something that he shouldn't be able to use because of the dragon curse.

[Regal Vagos cast [Dragon: Soul Silence]].

It was [Dragon Tongue].

***

The field effect of the [Keeper of Balance] equalized the sum of the main stats, but at the same time, he had to fight alone against many. One of his rank 4 essences was even sealed.

Thanks to the Ogre Essence, I had developed a strategy to deal with the Arc Long Sword, which was the hardest part. We made generous use of various consumables obtained from the Secret Room, and even a special move aimed at the decisive moment. I thought that would be enough to win, even if the opponent was an explorer from the 9th floor.

No matter how pathetic it may be, despair can overtake anyone at any time.

Being diagnosed with a rare disease at a young age, being involved in a tragic accident while walking and losing a loved one, a massive fire at a relative's house that sheltered me, or the sudden disappearance of a mom who promised to be with me tomorrow.

All of this happened in real life, regardless of whether it was raining or shining. Despair tended to follow someone, as it did at this moment.

*Spit*

The man spat bloody slime on the floor and picked up the arched sword that had fallen to the floor.

But ...

*Zzzzzz!*

Sparks flew from the sword, as if he was rejecting its touch.

Vagos frowned, forcefully drew his sword, inserted it into subspace, and slowly walked towards us.

*Top*

I picked up the mace with difficulty. The weapon, which a moment ago had seemed as light as a feather, was now as heavy as an iron rod.

*Top*

Information about this phenomenon popped up in my head, without requiring me to strain my brain.

[You have fallen into a state of [Soul Exhaustion]].

[Soul Depletion] is an abnormal condition that occurs when Soul Force drops to 0. I could count on my fingers how many times this had happened to me in the game.

Even if you used all of your skills, your Soul Force shouldn't have dropped to 0.

[All indicators have been temporarily reduced by 70%].

I understand everything. The new Plan A failed.

"Did everyone suddenly fall silent?"

And the price? Well, we're going to find out now.

*Blow!*

He kicked me and I flew away. Although I blocked him with both hands, the blow sounded to the bone.

"Bjorn!"

Mike hurriedly drew her sword and rushed at him, but it was too short to reach him.

"Ahhh!"

Like a martial artist, he wrapped his arms around Mike's wrist and drew his sword.

"Mean bitch!"

He kicked Misha in the stomach and sent her on a long flight.

The arrow that Rothmiller fired in time was cut in two before it even touched him.

"Because of this scum..." he muttered coldly, looking at us.

From this one phrase goosebumps ran through my body, and my heart beat wildly, as if it was out of order. However, even at this moment in my head, my brain, out of habit, put together all the clues.

"You all have no idea how much time I just threw out the window.

Vagos was also not in the best shape. Regardless of whether he vomited blood or not, if he was in one hundred percent condition, my arm should have been broken by now. From what I saw, he couldn't even use a sword right now. There were many positive signs.

However, this was nothing compared to our situation.

"Miss Karlstein!" Wake up! A crying voice came from behind.

Vagos took another step towards me.

"Barbarian, do not expect eternal peace. Not even death will save you.

It wasn't just a threat made to scare me. I knew what the only rank 3 essence he possessed.

*Top*

The situation, in fact, was hopeless. What should I do? In this situation, it will even be difficult to escape. It was at that moment that such thoughts flashed through my head.

[Riol Varb Dvalki cast an 8th rank spell [Ice Spear]].

An ice spear shot out with the same strength as before. Two, to be exact, since [Trajectory Adjustment] has been completed.

*Spoo

Vagos hurriedly turned to dodge one spear and barely managed to block the other with his sword. Normally, he would block it with the [Dark Veil] or easily cut it to pieces with a sword, but he barely blocked it with magic.

And then I realized something. I don't know why I didn't think of it right away, but sorcerers don't use Soul Power. In other words, the debuff caused by [Soul Exhaustion] was not applied to them.

"Yes, it looks like I'll have to kill you first.

That meant that if we wanted to live...

"That's it, pull yourself together!"

… then we must protect Dvalki.